Ba has scored 14 goals in 17 league appearances since moving on a free transfer from West Ham in JuneAndrew Yates/AFP/Getty Images

A year that began with the crushing disappointment of Andy Carroll’s defection to Anfield ends with Newcastle United travelling to Liverpool gazing upwards, which makes it a symbolic journey as well as fitting. Little wonder that at a club where mood swings can be violent, often courtesy of the men who have run it, Alan Pardew can reflect on an “incredible” 2011.

Newcastle will renew acquaintances tonight with their former No 9, who left Tyneside in a £35 million transfer in January, having amassed 30 points this season and sitting seventh in the Barclays Premier League, a single place and point behind Liverpool.

After a sticky six-match sequence without victory, their 2-0 win away to Bolton Wanderers has restored a sense of momentum.